GENEVA, Dec 12 (AFP) - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (ICRC) on Thursday appealed for 220 million Swiss francs (149.6 million euros, 150.6 million dollars) for its activities in 2003.

Stepping up work to combat HIV/AIDS worldwide, eradicate polio and cut deaths from measles in Africa were among the main concerns, the federation said.

It said it would also focus on fighting human trafficking in Europe, disaster response in the Middle East and hurricane preparedness in the Americas.

Taken regionally, the appeal for the Asia-Pacific region is the largest at 72.5 million Swiss francs, with major expenditure foreseen in North Korea, Afghanistan and India.

"We make a difference because this year we assisted 55 million people. We expect next year to assist up to 65 million people," Didier Cherpitel, ICRC Secretary General told reporters.

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